(Image Credit: Horsting's Farm Market / Instagram)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

COVID-19

Horsting’s Farm Market gearing up for drop in springtime traveller visits

Apr 1, 2020 | 4:14 PM

KAMLOOPS — With fewer people travelling to curb the spread of COVID-19 between communities, many businesses who thrive on highway traffic are bracing for a downturn in springtime visits.

Horsting’s Farm Market sits along Highway 97 just outside of Cache Creek, and this year, the popular pit stop is anticipating fewer passers-by stopping in for produce, and other goods.

Co-owner Marc Shane says the impact would be significant to their market operation.

“In our peak season we can get up to 1,000 cars a day through our market so it’s fairly substantial, and there’s a lot of traffic, and it’s a crazy time, and it’s a fun time,” he says, reflecting on busier days. “But that’s certainly not going to happen this year, and we know that already.”

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Shane says the farm is hoping for some normalcy come summertime, but for now the restaurant side of operations has moved to take-out only. While the market has brought in new safety procedures with cleaning, and food packages for curbside pick-up.

“Of course, you’ve got the social distancing, we are a farm market so we sell produce, so we have put plexiglass for our employees,” explains Shane. “I mean, the whole thing is about how you’ve got to take everything in and figure out how you make this work to keep everyone safe — not just customers, but employees and everyone who comes into the store.”

For now, Horsting’s will be doing the best it can to make it through. As an essential food service, Shane says they plan to stay open as long as possible.

“So that there’s also an alternative supply besides bringing it in from the States or Mexico, or wherever else we (B.C. consumers) get it from. At least while we can produce, we will do that.”

Click here to access Horsting’s website, and Facebook page for further information and updates.